I'm a mom who typically spends about $1,000 a month at Costco. These 8 buys are the best value for my big family.

Neutrogena makeup wipes, Pure Organic fruit bars, and Kirkland Signature croissants are some of the best things I buy my big family at Costco.

Feb 20, 2025 - 20:48

I'm a mom who typically spends about $1,000 a month at Costco. These 8 buys are the best value for my big family.

A composite image of packages of Neutrogena makeup wipes and containers of Kirkland Signature chili. — Neutrogena makeup wipes and Kirkland Signature chili are two of the best things I buy for my big family at Costco.
Alexandra Frost

As a mom of five, I often spend about $1,000 on my monthly Costco runs.
I love buying snacks like the Pure Organic fruit bars and Power Up premium trail mix.
I like pairing the Kirkland Signature street-taco kit with frozen shrimp.

It takes a babysitter, two carts, half a day, and — sadly — about $1,000 for me to shop at Costco each month. Costco runs for my family of 7 come at a serious cost, but the bulk warehouse has been a lifesaver for us.

Here are a few of the many items that make it into my cart while shopping for my large family at Costco.

Protein shakes are great for busy carpool nights.

Packages of Fairlife Nutrition Plan chocolate protein shakes. — I sometimes like to mix the Fairlife Nutrition Plan shakes with an iced coffee.
Alexandra Frost

On the average Tuesday, I typically try to get dinner on the table between work and sports. However, I love grabbing a Fairlife protein shake as a quick meal when I don't have time to eat.

I drink these over ice and sometimes even mix them with an iced coffee.

Costco's croissants make great breakfast sandwiches.

A container of Kirkland Signature croissants. — I use the Kirkland Signature croissants to make bacon and egg sandwiches.
Alexandra Frost

Breakfast sandwiches can be pricy, so I like to make my own and freeze the rest.

I typically fry 10 to 15 eggs on a griddle and put them on a croissant with bacon or sausage (all of which I purchase at Costco).

Weekday breakfasts are smooth(er) sailing with this go-to meal prep option.

The Kirkland Signature street tacos are a hearty meal.

A Costco street-taco kit with chicken, lettuce, limes, tortillas, salsa, and cilantro-lime crema. — I like pairing the Kirkland Signature street-taco kit with shrimp.
Alexandra Frost

I love grabbing the Kirkland Signature street-taco kit, which includes chicken, lettuce, tortillas, limes, salsa, and a cilantro-lime crema.

However, I like pairing it with frozen shrimp to get the most out of this kit. This way, when the chicken is gone but we have leftover tortillas and fixings, we can enjoy shrimp tacos another night.

Sometimes, I even fry up the chicken and shrimp separately on the same night for more options.

I love pairing Fresh Earth russet potatoes with Kirkland Signature chili.

A composite image of bags of Fresh Earth russet potatoes and Kirkland Signature chili. — Potatoes and chili make a great quick lunch.
Alexandra Frost

For a quick and easy meal-prepped lunch, I love grabbing a big bag of Fresh Earth russet potatoes and a container of the Kirkland Signature chili.

It also makes a great Sunday night dinner. I like to bake the potatoes for just over an hour with oil and salt, wrap them in foil, leave them in the Crock-Pot, and throw the chili in a pot to pour on top.

My kids think the Pure Organic fruit bars taste like candy.

Boxes of Pure Organic layered fruit bars. — The Pure Organic fruit bars are made with real fruit purees and juices.
Alexandra Frost

I recommend the Pure Organic fruit bars for parents looking to replace junk food with a slightly more nutritious alternative.

These bars, made with real fruit purees and juices, have replaced Fruit Roll-Ups and other gummy foods in the snack pantry.

My kids think they're eating candy, and the bars are easy to throw in the car or diaper bag for a quick snack.

The Power Up premium trail mix is one of my favorite snacks.

Bags of variety packs of Power Up premium trail mix. — A bag of Power Up premium trail mix comes with three different varieties.
Alexandra Frost

Finding a quick snack that's nutritious, properly portioned, and not in the form of a protein bar can be difficult.

That's why I love grabbing the variety pack of Power Up premium trail mix. The small bags come in three varieties, each with a combination of nuts and dried fruits. One even comes with tiny chocolate chunks.

Makeup wipes are essential for sports parents.

Packages of Neutrogena makeup wipes. — I use the Neutrogena makeup wipes to remove eye black after games.
Alexandra Frost

Baseball and football moms know that makeup wipes are a must for removing eye black after games. They also work great on not-so-washable markers, face paint, and spirit-day makeup.

Neutrogena makeup wipes can be pricey at the drugstore, but I've found they're more affordable in bulk at Costco.

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